"A guilty man set free on the account of another, is that justice? No that’s grace" Caleb & Sol

16 July 2012

WHAT DETERMINES MY WORTH?

James 1:9-12

God is so awesome……
we should be amazed every day and thankful for a new day such as this!

A new day to be
with our spouses!

A new day to be
with our children!

A new day to be
with the people we consider close friends!

A new day to shine
the light of the gospel message in our homes and workplaces!

A new day to
forgive and move on!

A new day to make
things right in our relationship with the LORD!

A new day learn and
grow from His word.

A new day to bring
God glory despite what the day may bring!

A new day to breath
the free air that only God can provide

A new day to be
completely satisfied and fulfilled in the gospel that saves to the uttermost!

See! God is worthy [the
center] of all our adoration and praise as the Psalmist said “Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all
his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him,
all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above
the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they
were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and
it shall not pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures
and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains
and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping
things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all
rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let
them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is
above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all
his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the LORD!” Ps
148:1-14........Then Psalm 150 ends
with this wonderful declaration of our love to such an awesome God! “let everything
that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!”

When we can sing
like that from our heart……. nothing is too hard to overcome whether it’s something
small or big. In all accounts of
my life I will praise His name because He is the most important person in my
life; and in Him is where I find my worth.

Let me ask you this
morning! Is He the most
important person in your life? Are you willing to
be content and satisfied if you were at a fork in the road that required you to
go without or if you lost it all? That required you
to choose between what is right and wrong? What is my purpose
and what is my heart focused on? Is it for the glory
of God to shine into our hearts or is it for personal gain and pleasures of this
life? Think
about this and compare it to your life now…..possible this morning! Do life pleasures
and life luxuries bring us true joy and happiness? the world seems to think so. Does wealth make
you feel closer to God or more independent? According to the
Scriptures we can only be truly satisfied in Christ and Christ alone. Phil 4:19 “And my
God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ
Jesus.”

As we continue to
understand and unfold the fact that trials are a part of the Christian life….we
see James shifting gears to another issue that plagues even the most veteran
Christian! Wealth
and pride. See the first thing
we need to understand is that wealth or money isn't the problem. It’s the attitude
towards one’s wealth! Another wrong
attitude is the person who says “I just stay poor and then I’ll be ok!” But again that’s a
wrong thinking because a poor person is just as guilty for wanting but unable
to have….just as a rich person who has everything and wants more because their never satisfied. Sin is sin and both
are equally guilty if handled in a wrong manner. WHY? Christ is
sufficient in all aspects of my life! This world only offers temporal
fulfillment which leads to broken hearts and frustration. See! We need to
understand that happiness comes and goes….but true joy lasts for all eternity; because
Christ is author of that joy.

Ask
yourself? Do I measure a
person’s worth by who they are or what they have? Do I measure my own
success by that standard?............ Because the world does! If that’s so in
your life……... then I’m here to tell you that you’re missing the mark in
finding your true worth and true joy! James said they
wither and die and amount to nothing in comparison to grace and beauty
that is found in the Gospel. James address this 2 types of individualsthe poor and the rich man! LET’S LOOK AT THE
RICH MAN FIRST! [BECAUSE IT’S MORE OF
A NEGATIVE REBUKE]

"...Because, as the flower of the grass
he shall pass away" (v10) “Pass away”(means) shortly,
and suddenly; either he himself by death, or his riches at death, or before,
and therefore are not to be gloried in. The rich man needs
to be reminded that earthly possessions are not the mark of true wealth. Why? (v11a) “…..its beauty
perishes”

“beauty perishes”means the
appearance of beauty won’t last forever…….they will eventually be destroyed, or
die. I can buy flowers
for my wife and they only last for a very short time. I can buy a new
vehicle eventually it will need repairs. I can buy the
latest and greatest gadget and in 6 months it’s like a purchased a 8 track
player. These things can
appear to be beautiful and very distracting at the time but they will wither
and fade away.

And
what’s worse is in the end (v11b) “the
rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits” If our pursuits are
not Christ centered and Christ motivated then who is it centered around? “ME!” This means! The life of the “rich man” comes
to an end while he is busily engaged in making money. His riches are unable to
prolong his life, for he departs and leaves his possessions behind. Striving to pursue
the American dream instead of living a Gospel saturated life that brings true
joy. See the rich man
should glory in knowing that wealth is temporary and unimportant and that one’s
hope is in the LORD. Paul reminded
Timothy of this important truth…………..1Tim 6:17 “As for
the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty [proud, arrogant], nor to set their hopes on the
uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to
enjoy.”

NOW! WHAT DOES
JAMES SAY TO THE POOR MAN TO DO?

“Let the lowly brother boast in his
exaltation”(v9) The poor man can
glory in the salvation that he or she attains from a Holy and Perfect God who
gives freely to sinners like us. As it says in 1Peter
1:4 “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you,” This is should be enough
for anyone to rejoice in! We are to glory in our exaltation or high position. Even the most poor
and destitute Christian can glory as a child of God in the countless blessings
that position brings.......When the world
determines a man’s worth by how they live and what they possess as worth. See!

THE POOR
MAY BE HUNGRY, BUT HE HAS THE BREAD OF LIFE!

John 6:35 "...Jesus
said to them, "I Am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never
hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst"

THE POOR
MAY BE THIRSTY, BUT HE HAS THE WATER OF LIFE THAT OVERFLOWS HIS CUP!

John 4:1-14 “Jesus
said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty
again, but whoever drinks of the water
that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give
him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

THE POOR
MAY GO WITHOUT, BUT HE HAS ETERNAL RICHES!

Luke 6:20 “And He
lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you who are
poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

THE POOR MAY
HAVE NO HOME ON EARTH, BUT HE HAS A GLORIOUS HOME IN HEAVEN!

Rev 7:16-17 “They shall
hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any
scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every
tear from their eyes."

We need to understand when
God takes something away from you. It has the purpose of making you more
spiritually mature, Which is something that is
more valuable than anything you have lost here on this earth we must invest our
riches in the things above? Why? James gives the
perfect answer in (v12) “he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those
who love him.” This is where our riches
lay….the promise of our saving Lord who gives eternal life to those who have
been called out of darkness into His glorious light whether you’re rich or
poor. This exceeds anything and everything we have on this earth! Augustine said "A man
may lose the good things of this life against his will; but if he loses the
eternal blessings, he does so with his own consent." There is nothing wrong with
wealth or things but remember if it taken away rejoices in it, because they are
only temporal treasures.

Remember......Every soul is priceless and precious to a holy God. Your salvation,
relationship, and communion with God is more precious and far greater than
anything that riches can buy……… it’s not about what you have, it’s all about
Christ Jesus our Lord. Genuine happiness and your
true worth depends on the true riches of God's grace, not earthly wealth or
lack of wealth. John MacArthur said “When
you lose a daughter, son, wife, husband, or other loved one, wealth is no
comfort. When you lose your health, are betrayed by a friend, or are wrongfully
maligned, money cannot buy peace of mind or decrease the pain. Trials are the
great equalizer, bringing all of God’s children to dependence on Him. Wealth
does not bring God closer, nor does poverty keep Him further away.”

As Peter said “And when
the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crownof glory” 1 Peter 5:4. Again! It’s not what you
or have or don’t have that determines your worth or position in Christ. It’s Christ! And Christ
alone. To be with Him is far greater than anything this world offer, whether your rich or poor! Christ is enough. SDG

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"Radical obediance to Christ is not easy; it is dangerous. It is not smooth sailing aboard a luxury liner; it is sacrificial duty aboard a troop carrier. It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obediance to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. and He is more than enough for us." David Platt

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2 Timothy 2:8-14"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us toa holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.Follow the pattern of the soundwords that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."ESV

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John MacArthur says . . . " There seems almost no limit to what modern church leaders will do to entice people who aren't interested in worship and preaching. Too many have bought the notion that the church must win people by offering an alternative form of entertainment. Just how far will the church go in competing with Hollywood? A large church in the southwestern United States has installed a half-million dollar special-effects system that can produce smoke, fire, sparks, and laser lights in the auditorium. The church sent staff members to study live special effects at Bally's Casino in Las Vegas. The pastor ended one service by ascending to "heaven" via invisible wires that drew him up out of sight while the choir and orchestra added a musical accompaniment to the smoke, fire, and light show. It was just a typical Sunday show for that pastor: "He packs his church with such special effects as ... cranking up a chain saw and toppling a tree to make a point ... the biggest Fourth of July fireworks display in town and a Christmas service with a rented elephant, kangaroo and zebra. The Christmas show features 100 clowns with gifts for the congregation's children."Shenanigans like that would have been the stuff of Spurgeon's worst nightmares. And even Tozer could not have foreseen the extreme to which evangelicals would go in paying homage to the great god Entertainment. "

What does it mean to live a cross centered life?by Pastor Mike AndrewsWe as Christians know that there is only one road to take. The Bible say's "wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it" (Matt 7:13). Why is there so many people who profess Jesus Christ taking this road? (Phil 3:19) "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things". The Bible say's the wide road leads to destruction. Which means eternally separated from a HOLY and Sovereign GOD. There is ony one road for GENUINE Christian. And it's the narrow road. A life that is: 1) Self denial2) Caring your cross daily3) Desiring the things of God4) Hating the things that God hates5) Submission and obedience6) Holy living7) Expects any kind of persecution.(Mat 10:22) and you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved(1 John 3:13) Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.A.W. Tozer says "The true follower of Christ will not ask, "If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?" Rather he will say, "This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!" (1Pet 4:16-17) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?We must stand strong in the Gospel of Christ. Holding to His promise of eternal life.
1. A Cross Centered life never is ashamed of His Gospel, for which He suffers,
2. A Cross Centered Life is never ashamed of the name he bears (Christian)
3. Nor of the punishment he endures, but let US, as OUR Lord and Master did, endure the cross.

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." John Piper"Alan Redpathhad two daughters who loved to swarm him when he came home at night. As he came in the door one evening, his little girls ran to meet him. One grabbed his leg and hugged him with all her might. He snatched the other daughter up in his arms. The one squeezing his leg said, "Now, I've got all of Daddy." The daughter in his arms replied, "Yes, but Daddy has got all of me!" Perhaps the question we need to continually ask is, "Does God have all of me?" Alan Redpath

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"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE") Gal 3:13. That's why as the great puritan once said "I preach as a dying man,to dying men. Richard Baxter...."